Lindau’s harbour entrance is famous far beyond the city limits: the Bavarian lion and the new lighthouse stand majestically against an impressive backdrop of the Alps and Lake Constance. The city’s landmark is considered the most beautiful harbour entrance on the entire Lake Constance.

The most beautiful harbour entrance on Lake Constance

The six-metre-high lion, gazing attentively across the lake, is the work of Munich professor Johann von Halbig. It is made of Kelheim sandstone and weighs around 50 tonnes. The Roman numerals ‘MDCCCLVI’ are inscribed on the lion’s pedestal, indicating the year in which the structure was completed: 1856.

View from the New Lighthouse

The new lighthouse is 36 metres high and has a base circumference of 24 metres. It is one of the few structures of its kind to have a clock on its façade. Climb the 139 steps to the top and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view from the viewing platform. But don’t worry – taking a breather is not only possible but even encouraged on the five floors: the interior walls of the tower are decorated with amusing anecdotes and interesting facts about Lindau and Lake Constance.

Lion roars Bavarian

Incidentally, the port facility used to be owned by Deutsche Bahn until it sold the port and the entire site to the municipal utilities in Constance, Baden-Württemberg. Only after lengthy disputes between Constance and Lindau did the port area – and with it the lion and the tower – return to Bavaria. Since 2010, the lion has been roaring Bavarian again.